Italy and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) unveiled a 5-euro silver coin at FAO headquarters in Rome to mark the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, paying tribute to the essential — and too often overlooked — role women play in global food and agriculture systems. Developed with Italy’s State Mint and Coldiretti, Italy’s largest farmers’ organisation, the coin is Italy’s national contribution to the global observance led by FAO.
The launch took place during a joint International Women’s Day event co-organised by FAO, IFAD and the World Food Programme, under the UN theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” The timing was deliberate — a reminder that recognising women’s contributions to food security is not symbolic, but part of a wider push for equal access to resources and justice in rural communities worldwide.
“This coin is more than a piece of silver — it tells the story of passion, resilience and leadership of women farmers around the world,” said FAO Director-General QU Dongyu. Cristina Brizzolari of Coldiretti Piemonte added that it honours women who have “carved out a fundamental role as custodians of territories, biodiversity and the intrinsic value of food.”
Designed by artist Annalisa Masini with input from FAO designer Guido Chiefalo, the coin is struck in 925 silver with a Proof finish, featuring the FAO emblem on one side and the IYWF2026 emblem on the other. It will be displayed at the FAO Food and Agriculture Museum and forms part of Italy’s 2026 Numismatic Collection — a lasting tribute in silver to a contribution that has always deserved far more recognition.
